Enclosure for computer components

ABSTRACT

An enclosure for receiving a computer component is provided. The enclosure comprises a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls and an end wall joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end. The end wall has an area defining an aperture formed therein. The cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of the computer component. And, the cavity is of a standard size.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The widespread use of computers and associated peripheral devices(e.g., a graphical user interface (e.g., a mouse), keyboard, printer,monitor, zip drive, scanner, modem, CD-ROM drive, and the like) hasgreatly enabled individuals to communicate with other individuals andorganizations for both personal and business purposes. These computersand peripheral devices typically are available in various form factors,i.e., the physical size and shape as typically measured by its outerdimensions.

[0002] Most users typically place the computer and peripheral devices ontop of a desk or table and interconnect the various components togetherwith a series of cables and wires. The resulting configuration is ratherunsightly in that the computer and peripheral devices are rarelycomplementary with, or even compatible with the pre-existing furnitureand/or decor.

[0003] In an effort to overcome this problem, furniture manufacturershave recently developed high-end workstation units that typicallyconsist of a flat surface (e.g., for the monitor and/or keyboard), anoptional slidable flat surface typically directly underneath the topsurface (e.g., for the keyboard) and one or more optional large openbottom and/or side cavities (e.g., for accommodating the computer and/orprinter). Optional hutch or shelf units may be added to the workstationto increase the available work surface area. The back surface of theworkstation may either be open or, alternatively, closed with accessholes/slats for accommodating the interconnecting cables and wiresamongst the various components.

[0004] These workstations tend to overwhelmingly dominate a room, anddetract from the pre-existing decor. Additionally, these workstationsare typically designed without taking into consideration the formfactors of the consumer's specific computer and peripheral devices.Thus, these workstations tend to come in a “one-size-fits-all”configuration, wherein the openings and platforms do not closelycorrespond to the form factors of the consumer's computer and peripheraldevices, thus unnecessarily wasting space and material as well ascreating a relatively large footprint.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with one representative embodiment, an enclosurefor receiving a computer component is provided. The enclosure comprisesa first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls and an end wall joined tothe first pair of sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least oneopen end. The end wall has an area defining an aperture formed therein.The cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to theform factor of the computer component. And, the cavity is of a standardsize.

[0006] In accordance with another representative embodiment, anenclosure for receiving a computer component is provided. The enclosurecomprises a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls and a second pairof spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to the first pair of sidewalls soas to define a cavity having at least one open end. The cavity has aninternal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of thecomputer component. And, the cavity is of a standard size.

[0007] In accordance with still another representative embodiment, anenclosure for receiving a computer component device comprises a firstpair of spaced and opposed sidewalls, a second pair of spaced andopposed sidewalls joined to the first pair of sidewalls so as to definea cavity having at least one open end, and an end wall joined to thefirst and second pairs of sidewalls. The cavity has an internal volumesubstantially corresponding to the form factor of the computercomponent. And, the cavity is of a standard size. The enclosure isoperable to be incorporated into a structure.

[0008] In accordance with still yet another representative embodiment,an enclosure system for receiving a plurality of computer componentscomprises a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure comprising aplurality of walls defining a cavity therebetween. Each of the cavitieshas an internal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor ofthe component. Each of the cavities is of a standard size.

[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from thedetailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood thatthe detailed description and specific examples, while indicating thepreferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure,in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0011]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosurewith an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, in accordancewith one representative embodiment;

[0012]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a partial rear perspective view of anenclosure with an optional aperture formed on the end wall, inaccordance with one representative embodiment;

[0013]FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of anenclosure with an optional signal and/or power transmission member, inaccordance with one representative embodiment;

[0014]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosurewith a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessed position, inaccordance with one representative embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosurewith a printer on an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, inaccordance with one representative embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of anenclosure with a computer on an optional sliding tray in the deployedposition, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such asa piece of furniture, in accordance with one representative embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded view of an enclosureincorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, inaccordance with one representative embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 9 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of anenclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the deployedposition, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such asa piece of furniture, in accordance with one representative embodiment;and

[0019]FIG. 10 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of anenclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessedposition, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such asa piece of furniture, wherein the piece of furniture can be equippedwith a pivotable member for selectively covering the enclosure andprinter, in accordance with one representative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) ismerely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit theinvention, its application, or uses.

[0021] By “computer” as that term is used herein, it is meant to includeany data processing device. By way of a non-limiting example, a computermay be housed in the form of a desktop chassis, tower chassis,mini-tower chassis, or the like.

[0022] By “peripheral device” as that phrase is used herein, it is meantany device that is in communication or association with a computer orlike device. By way of a non-limiting example, peripheral devices mayinclude graphical user interfaces, keyboards, printers, monitors, zipdrives, scanners, modems, CD-ROM drives, storage devices and the like.

[0023] By “computer component” as the phrase is used herein, it is meantto include either a computer or peripheral device, or combinations ofboth.

[0024] By the term “signal transmission member” as used herein, it ismeant any device to transmit any type of signal, whether it beelectrical, optical, or other means, between a computer and a peripheraldevice or other device, as well as between one peripheral device andanother peripheral device or other device. By way of a non-limitingexample, a signal transmission member may include cables, wires, cords,plugs, and the like.

[0025] By the term “power transmission member” as used herein, it ismeant any device to transmit any type of power, whether it be electricalor other means, between a power source and a computer or other device,between a power source and a peripheral device or other device, as wellas between a computer and a peripheral device or between one peripheraldevice and another peripheral device. By way of a non-limiting example,a power transmission member may include cables, wires, cords, plugs, andthe like.

[0026] By the term “furniture” as that term is used herein, it is meantany structure in which the invention can be incorporated into orassociated with. By way of a non-limiting example, furniture may includeentertainment centers, desks, tables, credenzas, cabinets, chests,bureaus, carts, bookcases, shelves, displays, stands, planters,sculptures, and the like.

[0027]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosure,in accordance with one representative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1,there is generally shown an illustrative enclosure 10.

[0028]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosurewith an optional sliding tray in the deployed position, in accordancewith one representative embodiment. FIG. 3 is an illustration of apartial rear perspective view of an enclosure with an optional apertureformed on the end wall, in accordance with one representativeembodiment. With specific reference to FIGS. 1-3, enclosure 10 is shownas having a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls 12, 14, a secondpair of spaced and opposed sidewalls 16, 18, and an end wall 20. Therespective sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and end wall 20 define a recess orcavity 22. The intended purpose of cavity 22 is to be operable toreceive a computer component 24, such as a computer and/or peripheraldevice (in this case, a printer and a computer are shown as illustrativeexamples).

[0029] Cavity 22 preferably has an internal volume that preferablysubstantially corresponds to the form factor, i.e., external dimensionsof computer component 24, e.g., in terms of width, height, and length.It is further preferred that the enclosure 10 be of a preselected size.In this manner, a standardized enclosure 10 can be provided that iscapable of housing a computer and/or peripheral device that has anexternal dimension substantially corresponding to the internal volume ofcavity 22. Accordingly, computer manufacturers can produce computers andperipheral devices that have substantially identical form factors thatwill be operable to fit into the cavity of a “standard size”. Thus,space and material are conserved by closely matching the form factor ofcomputer component 24 with the internal volume of cavity 22.

[0030] End wall 20, if employed, preferably includes an area defining anaperture 26, which may be configured in several differentconfigurations. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a rear perspective view ofan enclosure with an optional signal and/or power transmission member,in accordance with one representative embodiment. Aperture 26 isintended to receive any required signal transmission members 28 (asshown in FIG. 4) and/or power transmission members 30 (as shown in FIG.9). Because enclosure 10 is preferably operable to be incorporated intoa structure 32 (as shown in FIG. 7), such as a piece of furniture 34 (inthis case, a bookcase is shown as an example), it is important toprovide a way for computer component 24 to be in communication witheither another component and/or a power source (not shown) (which may behoused in an additional enclosure). In this manner, aperture 26 providesa way for any cables, wires, cords, plugs, and the like to be routedthrough the rear of enclosure 10, rather than through open end 36 ofenclosure 10 which would not be very aesthetically pleasing, althoughfunctionally acceptable. If end wall 20 was omitted from enclosure 10(as specifically shown in FIG. 4), there would be another open end 38,thus enclosure 10 could be oriented in either direction without concernas to the location of aperture 26.

[0031] Further, signal transmission members 28 and/or power transmissionmembers 30 may be pre-mounted on a surface of enclosure 10 (e.g., endwall 20) rather than routing them through aperture 26. In this manner,the user need only plug one end of members 28 and/or 30 into computercomponent 24 and the other end of members 28 and/or 30 into a powersource (not shown) and/or another component (not shown).

[0032]FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of an enclosurewith a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessed position, inaccordance with one representative embodiment. FIG. 6 is an illustrationof a perspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optionalsliding tray in the deployed position, in accordance with onerepresentative embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an optionalslidable platform member 40 may be provided with enclosure 10 so as tofacilitate the installation and removal of computer component 24 in andout of cavity 22, such as for purposes of access and maintenance.Preferably, at least one surface of platform member 40 is slidablymounted to at least one surface of either sidewall 12, 14, 16, or 18and/or end wall 20. When platform member 40 is pulled out from enclosure10, it is in the extended position, and when platform member 40 ispushed back into enclosure 10, it is in the recessed position.

[0033] The various sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and end wall 20 may beintegrally constructed (e.g., through metal casting or injectionmolding) or may be comprised of discrete members that are later joinedtogether in an assembly process (e.g., by use of suitable fasteners, byuse of welding, by use of adhesives, and the like). Additionally, thevarious sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 and end wall 20 may be comprised of anynumber of suitable materials, such as but not limited to metals,plastics (e.g., thermoplastics, thermosets, and the like), ceramics,composites, wood, and the like.

[0034] As previously noted, it should be appreciated by one of ordinaryskill in the art that enclosure 10 may include less than all of thewalls shown and still remain functional. For example, otherconfigurations are possible, such as: (1) just sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18,joined together without end wall 20; (2) just sidewalls 12, 14 joinedtogether with end wall 20 without sidewalls 16, 18; (3) just sidewalls16, 18 joined together with end wall 20 without sidewalls 12, 14; (4)any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 joined to any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16,18 without end wall 20; (5) any of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18 joined toend wall 20; and (6) any other possible combination of any of sidewalls12, 14, 16, 18 and/or end wall 20.

[0035]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of anenclosure with a computer on an optional sliding tray in the deployedposition, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such asa piece of furniture, in accordance with one embodiment. It should beappreciated that one or more enclosures 10 may be utilized in tandem.For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a series of more than one enclosure 10may be incorporated into structure 32 in either an adjacent and/orspaced configuration so as to present the one or more computercomponents 24 in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0036]FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded view of an enclosureincorporated into a structure such as a piece of furniture, inaccordance with one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an illustration of a partialperspective view of an enclosure with a printer on an optional slidingtray in the deployed position, wherein the enclosure is incorporatedinto a structure such as a piece of furniture, in accordance with onerepresentative embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, computercomponents 24 can be presented in a manner that preferably does notdetract from the aesthetic quality of the room in which it is locatedand blends in, as much as possible, with the decor of the room.

[0037]FIG. 10 is an illustration of a partial perspective view of anenclosure with a printer on an optional sliding tray in the recessedposition, wherein the enclosure is incorporated into a structure such asa piece of furniture, wherein the piece of furniture can be equippedwith a pivotable member for selectively covering the enclosure andcomputer component, in accordance with one embodiment. That is,structure 32 can be provided with one or more sliding or pivotablemembers 42 that can selectively cover or otherwise obscure enclosure 10and its corresponding computer component 24 once they are incorporatedinto structure 32.

[0038] The foregoing description of the invention is merely exemplary innature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of theinvention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An enclosure for receiving a computer component,the computer component having a form factor, comprising: a first pair ofspaced and opposed sidewalls; and an end wall joined to the first pairof sidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end, saidend wall defining an aperture therein; wherein said cavity has aninternal volume substantially corresponding to the form factor of thecomputer component and wherein said cavity is of a standard size.
 2. Theenclosure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second pair ofspaced and opposed sidewalls joined to said first pair of sidewalls andsaid end wall.
 3. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, furthercomprising a signal transmission member disposed through said aperture.4. The enclosure as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a powertransmission member disposed through said aperture.
 5. The enclosure asset forth in claim 1, wherein said enclosure is operable to beincorporated into a structure.
 6. The enclosure as set forth in claim 5,wherein said structure is a piece of furniture.
 7. The enclosure as setforth in claim 1, further comprising a member in slidable associationwith said first pair of said sidewalls.
 8. An enclosure for receiving acomputer component, the computer component having a form factor,comprising: a first pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls; and a secondpair of spaced and opposed sidewalls joined to said first pair ofsidewalls so as to define a cavity having at least one open end; whereinsaid cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to theform factor of the computer component and wherein said cavity is of astandard size.
 9. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, furthercomprising an end wall joined to said first and second pairs ofsidewalls.
 10. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprisinga signal transmission member disposed through said at least one openend.
 11. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprising apower transmission member disposed through said at least one open end.12. The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, wherein said enclosure isoperable to be incorporated into a structure.
 13. The enclosure as setforth in claim 12, wherein said structure is a piece of furniture. 14.The enclosure as set forth in claim 8, further comprising a member inslidable association with at least one of said first and said secondpairs of the sidewalls.
 15. An enclosure for receiving a computercomponent, the computer component having a form factor, comprising: afirst pair of spaced and opposed sidewalls; a second pair of spaced andopposed sidewalls joined to said first pair of sidewalls so as to definea cavity having at least one open end; and an end wall joined to saidfirst and second pairs of sidewalls and defining an aperture; whereinsaid cavity has an internal volume substantially corresponding to theform factor of the computer component and said cavity is of a standardsize; wherein said enclosure is operable to be incorporated into astructure.
 16. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, furthercomprising a signal transmission member disposed through said aperture.17. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, further comprising a powertransmission member disposed through said aperture.
 18. The enclosure asset forth in claim 15, wherein said structure is a piece of furniture.19. The enclosure as set forth in claim 15, further comprising a memberin slidable association with one of said first and said second pairs ofthe sidewalls.
 20. An enclosure system for receiving a plurality ofcomputer components, the computer components having a form factor,comprising: a plurality of enclosures, each enclosure comprising: aplurality of walls defining a cavity therebetween; wherein each of saidcavities has an internal volume substantially corresponding to the formfactor of the component, and wherein each of said cavities is of astandard size.
 21. The enclosure system as set forth in claim 20,wherein at least one of said enclosure walls defines and aperturetherein.
 22. The enclosure system as set forth in claim 21, furthercomprising a signal transmission member disposed through the aperture.23. The enclosure system set forth in claim 21, further comprising apower transmission member disposed through the aperture.